Dean Malenko Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / September 14, 2024
Dean Malenko Then
Dean Simon, better known by his ring name Dean Malenko, was born on August 4, 1960, in Irvington, New Jersey.
Growing up in a wrestling family, his father Boris Malenko was a prominent figure in the sport, which heavily influenced Dean’s career path.
Immersed in the world of wrestling from an early age, Malenko began his involvement in the industry as a referee in the Tampa area. His wrestling journey started modestly, including a brief stint as a referee for the WWF during the mid-1980s.
This early exposure to the wrestling world laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually take him to various corners of the globe, where he would hone his craft and build a reputation as one of the most technically gifted wrestlers in the business.
Dean Malenko Wrestling Career
Dean Malenko’s wrestling career spanned several promotions and countries, including notable work in Mexico, Japan, and Puerto Rico.
Alongside his brother Joe Malenko, Dean formed a tag team that competed from 1988 to 1992, making appearances in Japan and Australia.
His first major singles title came in 1992 when he won the Suncoast Pro Wrestling Southern Title.
After brief stints in various smaller promotions, Malenko made his mark on the wrestling world in 1994 when he debuted in Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW), where he quickly gained attention for his technical prowess.
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He earned the moniker “The Shooter” due to his resemblance to UFC fighter Royce Gracie, and by the end of the year, he had claimed the ECW Television Championship.
Malenko’s career truly took off when he joined World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 1995, where he became known as “The Iceman” due to his cold, calculating demeanor.
He won the WCW Cruiserweight Championship and continued to build his legacy as “The Man of 1,000 Holds,” earning widespread recognition for his technical skill and in-ring intelligence.
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Despite never holding a world title, Malenko’s ability to put on world-class matches made him a fan favorite and a respected figure among his peers.
Later, he joined the WWF (now WWE) as part of The Radicalz faction and won several Light Heavyweight Championships before transitioning into a behind-the-scenes role as a producer and agent for WWE, eventually moving to All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019.
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Dean Malenko Wrestling Competition
- Suncoast Pro Wrestling (SPW)
- Independent Championship Wrestling Association (ICWA)
- Eastern Championship Wrestling (ECW) / Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW)
- World Championship Wrestling (WCW)
- World Wrestling Federation (WWF) / World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
- Heartland Wrestling Association (HWA)
- All Elite Wrestling (AEW)
Dean Malenko’s Wife and Children
Dean Malenko is married to Julie, and together they have three children. Their eldest child, Larrisa, was born on December 25, 1997.
Despite the rigorous demands of his wrestling career, Malenko has balanced his role as a father and a professional, dedicating time to raising his family.
The importance of family, both within the wrestling world and his personal life, has always been a central theme for Malenko.
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Dean Malenko Now
Dean Malenko, now 64 years old, has firmly established himself as a significant figure in professional wrestling.
Best known by his ring name, Malenko’s in-ring career spanned several decades, earning him a reputation as one of the most technically proficient wrestlers of his generation.
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Though retired from active competition, Malenko continues to make an impact on the industry through his role as a senior producer for All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
In this capacity, he leverages his wealth of experience, mentoring younger talent and contributing to the behind-the-scenes development of AEW’s wrestling programs.
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Malenko’s career highlights are deeply tied to his work in two of wrestling’s major promotions: Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) and World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
In ECW, his technical skill and intense in-ring style earned him the moniker “The Shooter,” while in WCW, he became renowned as “The Iceman” and “The Man of 1,000 Holds” for his cool demeanor and incredible versatility in the ring.
Even after stepping away from active competition, Malenko’s influence remains through his mentoring and producing roles, ensuring that his legacy continues to shape the wrestling world.
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Despite never holding a world championship, Malenko is widely regarded as one of the most respected and underrated wrestlers in history, with a lasting influence on generations of wrestlers, particularly those in the cruiserweight division.
His technical mastery, along with his dedication to the craft, has cemented him as a beloved figure in the wrestling community.
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FAQs
Dean Malenko retired from active wrestling and now works as a senior producer for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), continuing to contribute to the wrestling industry behind the scenes.
Dean Malenko left WWE in 2019 after working as a backstage producer for many years.
Dean Malenko made his wrestling debut in 1979.
The Malenko wrestling family is led by Boris Malenko, a legendary wrestler and trainer. Dean Malenko and his brother Joe followed in their father’s footsteps, becoming professional wrestlers themselves.
Dean Malenko retired from active wrestling in 2001.
Yes, after retiring as a wrestler, Malenko occasionally worked as a referee in WWE before transitioning into a backstage role.
Dean Malenko, also known as “The Iceman” and “The Man of 1,000 Holds,” is a retired American professional wrestler known for his technical wrestling ability.